New Delhi: The Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, has announced the launch of applications for the Prime Minister Research Chair – PMRC Scheme 2026, a flagship national initiative aimed at attracting accomplished Indian-origin researchers, scientists, technologists, and professionals from globally reputed universities, laboratories, research institutions, and industries to leading government Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), national laboratories, and research centres across India.
The PMRC Scheme 2026 seeks to connect global Indian talent with India’s rapidly expanding research, development, innovation, and technology ecosystem.
The initiative focuses on strengthening research capabilities and fostering collaboration across 13 thematic areas identified as national priorities.
These priority sectors include Advanced Computing (Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing and Supercomputing), Semiconductors, Energy, Sustainability and Climate Change, Cybersecurity, Healthcare and MedTech, Biotechnology, Advanced Materials and Critical Minerals, Space and Defence, Next-Generation Communications, Manufacturing and Industry 4.0, Agri and Food Technologies, Blue Economy, and Atomic Energy.
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The PMRC Scheme 2026 is built on three core pillars—Lead Institutions, Host Institutions, and PMRC Fellows. The framework is designed to support mission-aligned, nationally relevant, and impact-oriented research initiatives.
Participating institutions and fellows will be selected through a rigorous evaluation process overseen by an Empowered Committee chaired by the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India.
Under the PMRC Scheme 2026, selected PMRC Fellows will receive fellowship and research grant support, access to advanced laboratories and research infrastructure, and opportunities to collaborate with leading government institutions across India.
The PMRC Scheme 2026 is also expected to benefit Host Institutions by facilitating international academic collaborations, engagement with globally accomplished researchers and professionals, and the expansion of research and innovation activities in priority sectors.
The scheme offers participation opportunities under three categories:
- Young Research Fellows for early-career researchers
- Senior Research Fellows for experienced researchers
- Research Chairs for globally accomplished research leaders
Eligible fellows under the PMRC Scheme 2026 include accomplished Indian-origin researchers, scientists, and professionals, including Indian nationals working abroad, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders, and Persons of Indian Origin.
The initiative aims to attract distinguished professionals from leading global institutions and industries with proven achievements in research, innovation, and technology.
Eligible Host Institutions under the PMRC Scheme 2026 include Government Higher Educational Institutions ranked among the Top 100 in the NIRF Overall or Engineering categories, or among the Top 50 in the NIRF Research category.
The eligibility criteria also extend to premier national laboratories and research institutions operating under agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), among others.
To support implementation across the identified thematic areas, seven premier institutions have been designated as Lead Institutions under the PMRC Scheme 2026:
- Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi)
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay)
- Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras)
- Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur)
- Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT Hyderabad)
- Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad [IIT (ISM) Dhanbad]
- Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru (IISc Bengaluru)
Applications from Fellows and Host Institutions under the PMRC Scheme 2026 will open from June 1, 2026, through the PMRC Portal.
Detailed guidelines, eligibility requirements, and application procedures are available on the PMRC Portal.
